Considering the effects of ambient particulate matter on the lung function of motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok, Thailand

The association between exposure to PM₁₀ and lung function decline among motorcycle taxi drivers was investigated in a cross-sectional study conducted in Bangkok between two groups, a subject group of motorcycle taxi drivers and control group of enclosed vehicle taxi drivers. The findings of the Thailand Pollution Control Department were used to estimate the annual ambient PM₁₀ concentration levels in the metropolis, while multiple linear regression analysis was employed to estimate the effects of PM₁₀ exposure on the lung function of motorcycle taxi drivers. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) of the motorcycle taxi drivers was significantly lower than that of the taxi drivers. The mean FEV₁/FVC of motorcycle taxi drivers exposed to ≥ 50 Μg/m³ PM₁₀ was statistically lower and the mean % vital capacity of those exposed to 40–49.9 Μg/m³ PM₁₀ was statistically lower than that of motorcycle taxi drivers exposed to < 30 Μg/m³ PM₁₀. Since motorcycle taxi drivers were directly exposed to air pollution in their working environment, their lung function might decrease more than that of enclosed vehicle taxi drivers.